The Army's military police welcome back Colonel-in-Chief

5 December 2015

The Duchess of Cornwall was appointed the inaugural Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Australian Corps of Military Police in November 2012 and today marks her second visit with members of the corps.The position of Colonel-in-Chief is a ceremonial role which reinforces the traditional link between the Australian Army and the Royal Family.

Due to commemorate their centenary of service in early 2016, the military police conducted a small reception at Victoria Barracks.

The military police’s Head of Corps, Brigadier Cheryl Pearce, AM, said it was a privilege to host The Duchess at the event.

“We are honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness back to Sydney, back to the Australian Army, and especially back to an event with the military police,” Brigadier Pearce said.

“In April 2016, The Royal Australian Corps of Military Police will commemorate 100 years of service to our nation.

“Her Royal Highness plays an important role in continuing the history of the corps and the Army. We are delighted to be able to begin our celebrations with our Colonel-in-Chief.”

In the tradition of the Australian Army, the corps’ most junior member, Private Alana Smilie, together with The Duchess, cut the corps’ birthday cake with a ceremonial sword.

Over 750 Regular and Reserve members of the Australian Army serve in the Royal Australian Corps of Military Police, providing command and police support to the Australian Defence Force in times of peace, crisis and conflict around the world. Over the last 15 years, military police have deployed to Timor Leste, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, Pakistan, Lebanon, Iraq and Afghanistan.